Irene Simmons Balagot

She was born September 18, 1933 in Manila, Philippines and was the youngest daughter of the late Sergia Beltrano Simmons and John W. Simmons. On February 23, 1952, she married the late Benjamin Difuntorum Balagot Sr., a retired soldier with the Philippine Air Force. Irene and Benjamin Balagot Sr. lived together in the Philippines before relocating to Northern California in 1977. Irene's husband passed away in 2002 and she was a widow for ten years.

For over twenty five years, Irene was an entrepreneur in the Manufacturing and Direct Sales industries. She was passionate about helping people and making a difference in the lives of her children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family and friends. Irene loved to travel and took many trips to the Philippines. She also took cruise trips and traveled to Europe, Canada and Mexico with her husband.

Irene is survived by six children: son Benjamin Balagot Jr. and wife Carmen A. Balagot; son Jess Balagot and wife Celia Cabochan Balagot; daughter Mary Gubatina and husband Victor Gubatina; daughter Janet Marchell; daughter Ann Marie Zepponi; son Emmanuel Balagot; and nine grandchildren: Irene Balagot Murphy and husband Rory Seamus Murphy; Brian Cabochan Balagot; Benjamin F. Gubatina; Danielle Darlene Marchell; Naomi Balagot; Nadine Balagot; Sarah Cabochan Balagot; Amanda Cabochan Balagot; and Christina Marie Zepponi. Her first born son, John Balagot, passed away in 2002. Irene had six siblings and is also survived by three of her six siblings: Pablo Simmons of San Francisco, CA; Rudy Simmons of Sacramento, CA; and Angela Jones of Killeen, TX.

A viewing will be held from 10 am to 9 pm on Friday 12/21/2012 at Lima Family Milpitas-Fremont Mortuary. Funeral Service will be held at 11 am, Saturday 12/22/2012 in the Mission Hills Chapel at Lima Family Milpitas-Fremont Mortuary. Burial will commence after the service at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park.